January 1st is a natural fresh start for a lot of people, but I’ve found for setting goals, it feels a bit heavy handed and there’s this added sense of “everybody else is doing it right now” pressure that doesn’t help me be realistic about what will stick for me. I’ve seen a lot of blogs that advocate for making your goals public, in terms of “101 in 1001″… that’s 101 goals completed in 1001 days. I need a timeline that’s a bit more tangible and easily measurable for me, so in the same spirit, I present my “36 in 365:”

1. post to my blog at least once a week
2. record and donate an audiobook
3. edit new commercial and animation demos
4. re-record my audiobook demo
5. adjust the inputs in my home and work studios for optimal sound
6. stick to a realistic workout routine that fits my lifestyle (ongoing, check in every 2 months)
7. volunteer my time once a month
8. hike Camelback (summit), Squaw Peak (summit), Lookout Mountain (summit), South Mountain (National trail), Cave Creek (Go John trail), Estrella Mountain (Rainbow Valley trail), White Tank Mountains (Goat Camp, Ford Canyon to Mesquite Loop, or Mesquite Canyon to Willow Springs trail) http://www.visitphoenix.com/visitor/index.cfm?action=trails
9. donate blood
10. get back to Raleigh for at least 5 days
11. renew my passport
12. use my passport
13. plant a garden on the back patio with native plants
14. get more agent representation
15. learn how to use Photojunction
16. reconfigure the layout of my home studio for ease of use
17. improve my technical photography skills
18. organize business and tax paperwork
19. study with a voiceover pro
20. beat GH 80′s (Electric Eye + encore song), GH3 (Battle for your Soul level) and Rock Band 1 (Green Grass and High Tides) on expert guitar
21. give handmade gifts
22. research composting and determine whether it’s something we can do (and if so, start doing it!)
23. find a local farmers’ co-op
24. get together with other recent newlyweds and hang out/drink beer in our wedding dresses
25. babysit for friends to give them a night off
26. use our National Parks Pass twice to go somewhere besides the Grand Canyon
27. cook dinner for friends once a month
28. create parents’ albums with our wedding photos using Photojunction
29. learn a new craft or take an old hobby up a notch
30. spend more time with Andy and our kitties
31. get allergy tested
32. sign on 2 more radio stations for imaging (voice and/or production)
33. mail letters/photos to out of town friends
34. finish painting throughout the house
35. help someone else put together a voice demo
36. participate in (or be entered and training for) a triathlon or duathlon

So, I’ve got a list, and a deadline. You’ll hear from me within the next week, since that is goal #1.